Which Logistics Companies Pay the Highest Salaries in 2025?

If you're looking for a logistics job that pays well, you're not just chasing a paycheck-you're looking for stability, growth, and real value for your skills. The truth is, not all logistics companies pay the same. Some offer salaries that put them in the top 1% of the industry, while others barely cover rent in major cities. So who’s actually paying the most in 2025?

Amazon Leads the Pack-But It’s Not Just About the Base Pay

Amazon pays the highest average salary for logistics roles in North America, with entry-level warehouse associates earning between $22 and $28 an hour in major hubs like Toronto, Chicago, and Seattle. That’s over $50,000 a year before overtime. But here’s what most people miss: Amazon doesn’t just pay more. It pays predictably. Bonuses, shift differentials, and performance incentives add another $3,000 to $8,000 annually. Drivers in Amazon’s Last Mile network make $25-$35/hour with full benefits, including medical, dental, and 401(k) matching.

What makes Amazon stand out isn’t just the pay-it’s the scale. With over 1,100 fulfillment centers in the U.S. and Canada alone, they hire more logistics workers than any other company on Earth. If you want consistent hours, clear promotion paths, and steady raises, Amazon’s logistics arm is still the safest bet.

UPS and FedEx: The Traditional Giants Still Compete

UPS and FedEx aren’t resting on their reputations. Both have raised wages sharply since 2022 to keep up with inflation and worker demands. In 2025, UPS drivers in Canada earn an average of $32/hour, with top-tier drivers in Ontario and British Columbia hitting $38/hour after five years. That’s nearly $80,000 a year before overtime. FedEx Ground drivers in the U.S. clock in at $28-$34/hour, depending on location.

Both companies offer union-backed pensions, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. For workers who want long-term security over quick cash, these are still top choices. The catch? Getting hired as a driver at UPS or FedEx now requires a clean driving record, a commercial license, and often a background check that can take 6-8 weeks. If you’re willing to wait, the payoff lasts decades.

DHL Express: The International Player With Premium Pay

If you’re working in international logistics-think customs clearance, air freight, global supply chain coordination-DHL Express is where the money is. Their global logistics specialists in Toronto, New York, and Frankfurt earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually. That’s not entry-level. These are roles requiring experience in import/export regulations, ERP systems, and cross-border compliance.

What DHL pays for is expertise. A logistics coordinator with five years of experience and a certification in supply chain management can jump from $55,000 to $85,000 in under two years at DHL. They also offer relocation packages for international assignments, which is rare in this industry. If you speak multiple languages or have worked with EU or APAC regulations, DHL will pay you a premium.

Walmart Logistics: The Secret High-Payer in Retail

Most people don’t realize Walmart runs one of the largest private logistics networks in the world. Their distribution centers, called Supercenters, move more goods than most national carriers. Entry-level warehouse associates start at $21/hour, but the real money is in supervisory and planning roles.

Logistics planners at Walmart earn $70,000-$85,000, with bonuses tied to inventory accuracy and delivery speed. Their internal training program, Walmart Academy, offers free certifications in supply chain software like SAP and Oracle. If you’re looking to move from a warehouse floor to a corporate office without a degree, Walmart’s logistics track is one of the few paths that actually works.

Maersk and C.H. Robinson: Where Freight Meets Fortune

For those who want to work in freight brokerage or ocean/air logistics, Maersk and C.H. Robinson are the hidden champions. Maersk’s global logistics analysts earn $70,000-$100,000, depending on port volume and experience. C.H. Robinson’s account managers, who handle shipping contracts for Fortune 500 clients, average $80,000 with commissions that can push total pay past $120,000.

These roles require strong communication skills, negotiation ability, and comfort with digital platforms like Freightos or Descartes. They’re not for everyone-but if you’re good with numbers and people, the earning potential here is unmatched in the logistics space.

What Else Affects Your Pay? Location, Shift, and Certifications

Salary isn’t just about the company. Where you work matters just as much. A logistics coordinator in downtown Toronto makes 20% more than one in Winnipeg. Night shifts pay $2-$4/hour extra. Weekend work adds another $1-$3. And if you’ve got certifications? You’re golden.

Here are the top three certifications that boost pay by $8,000-$15,000 annually:

• CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) from APICS
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) from APICS
• CDL-A (Commercial Driver’s License) for drivers and fleet roles

Many companies, including Amazon and UPS, reimburse the full cost of these certifications. That means you can earn more without spending a dime.

Who Pays the Least? Watch Out for These Red Flags

Not every logistics job is worth it. Smaller regional carriers, temp agencies, and third-party contractors often advertise "competitive pay" but deliver minimum wage with no benefits. Some companies pay $16/hour for warehouse work in high-cost cities-that’s below living wage in Toronto or Vancouver.

Watch for these signs:

• No health insurance or paid sick days
• Contract work with no overtime pay
• Job postings that say "no experience needed" but pay under $18/hour
• Companies that don’t list their name on job boards-just a generic "logistics partner"

If a job sounds too easy or too cheap, it probably is. You’re not just selling your time-you’re selling your reliability. Don’t let a bad employer undervalue that.

How to Get Hired at the Top Paying Companies

Getting into Amazon, UPS, or DHL isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation.

1. Update your resume to highlight logistics-specific skills: inventory tracking, WMS systems, forklift operation, route optimization.
2. Apply directly through the company’s career site-not LinkedIn or Indeed. Internal applicants get priority.
3. Prepare for behavioral interviews: "Tell me about a time you solved a delivery delay." These companies care about problem-solving, not just experience.
4. Get certified. Even a free CPIM prep course from Coursera can make your application stand out.

Most top companies hire year-round. Don’t wait for "hiring season." Apply in January, April, and September-those are peak hiring months.

Final Reality Check

Yes, logistics pays well-if you know where to look. The highest salaries aren’t in delivery vans or sorting bins. They’re in planning rooms, control centers, and global trade desks. The best-paying jobs require skill, not just muscle.

Start with one goal: land a role at Amazon, UPS, DHL, or Walmart. From there, certifications and internal moves will take you higher. The industry isn’t just moving packages-it’s moving careers. Make sure you’re on the right truck.

Next Steps: How to Start Today

Don’t wait for the perfect job. Start now:

• Search for "logistics associate" jobs at Amazon, UPS, and Walmart on their official career sites.
• Enroll in a free CPIM prep course on Coursera or edX.
• If you don’t have a CDL, check your local community college-many offer 3-week training programs under $1,000.
• Update your LinkedIn profile with keywords: "warehouse operations," "inventory control," "supply chain logistics." Recruiters search for these.

Logistics isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up, getting trained, and moving up. The money’s there. You just have to take the first step.